I think you have to have lived with a French Bulldog to understand how truly, wonderfully weird they are (which I mean, of course, in the most affectionate of ways).

Take Beth Thornton’s Kirby, for example.

Most dogs, if they’re going to pick something to be crazy about, it’s going to be a ball. Maybe a sheep, if you’re talking about a Border Collie. Not Kirby, though.

Kirby was crazy about fish – and no, not fish as in “hey, let’s have salmon for dinner’, but in a more Jacques Cousteau, intellectual curoisity kind of way. Kirby, in fact, had his very own fishpond, which he’d visit to sit and watch the fish. In the winter time (when even the most intrepid marine biologist has seconds thoughts about outdoor marine observation), Kirby would make do with looking at the indoor aquarium.

What else did Kirby love?

He loved cheese puffs, and having his dad blow water at him out of the pool noodle (see, I told you Frenchies were weird). He loved naps, and warm spots, and birthday cake.

On December 16th, Beth lost Kirby to a tragic and unforeseeable allergic reaction. Beth blames herself, but if Kirby could talk to her, he’d tell her that “hey, you were trying to help me – you were doing the mom thing, and looking out for me, just like you always did. No one could have known this would happen, so please feel better soon. BTW, the cheesy poofs in heaven? So. Totally. Rock. Also, fish ponds as far as the eye can see.”

Kirby’s ashes will rest in an urn, along with cards, mementos, and a small, perfect Jade goldfish that Beth chose for him.

Kirby was a deeply, wonderfully weird Frenchie, with many admirers and friends from around the world, all of whom miss him.

He was a little dog who loved many things, but most of all, what he loved was Beth. The feeling was mutual.

My deepest deepest condolences. How very sad, it sounds like he was very much loved and adored. He was very very handsome.
I’ve only had Rumble a short time and cannot imagine being without him.
Unfortunately as dog lovers we know we are going to have to say good-bye before we are ready….it is never long enough.
Having recently lost a beloved dog I feel your pain.
He’ll be waiting at the bridge…..

It’s the love that brings out the extra special personality in dogs like Kirby. Beth surrounded him with love. His premature loss is terrible, but we can only do our best, and sometimes things just go horribly wrong even when we do what is right. Godspeed, Kirby.

There are no words really but my heart goes out to you Beth. Carol, this is very wonderful and though it brought a tear to my eye, it was due to the overwhelming love that I know Beth had for Kirby. Love never dies. Thanks for making this wonderful tribute, Carol and thank you Beth for sharing your kids with us.

FROM MOJO
I feel your pain as I A BELOVED FRENCHIE WHO WAS MYGIRL,BED PARTNER, MYFRIEND, COMPANION and everthing for 12 years and she passed away with cancer it broke my heart. I’m so sorry for BETH and her family, but Dear Kirdy is watching over you all. Kirbyhas lefted some wonderful memoriesto you all to cherish
GOD BLESS YOU ALL, AND ATCH FOR THAT SHINING STAR IN HEAVEN AS LITTLE KIRBY IS SHINING DOWN ON YOU ALL